AK HB82

Adds magistrates to judicial retention election ballots, increasing ballot parts from four to five, with magistrates facing four-year retention terms.

Modifies filing deadlines and procedures for district judges and magistrates seeking retention, requiring declarations by August 1 and establishing a $30 filing fee.

Removes the 45-day appointment deadline for governors filling court of appeals and district court vacancies, allowing more flexible judicial council review timelines.

Prohibits state funds from being used to support or oppose judicial officer retention elections, with exceptions for judicial council evaluation duties.

Requires the judicial council to prepare annual reports by February 14 summarizing questionnaire responses from all judicial candidates and file information about candidates subject to retention elections by August 7.